Dr Brian Maurer Medical Director of the Irish Heart Foundation said: “The latest findings confirm the association between cocaine usage and sudden cardiac death and that all users are at risk including healthy individuals who do not suffer from  heart disease. The Spanish study showed that even occasional users of small amounts may die as a result. The number of cocaine users appears to be increasing and the risk to Irish and Spanish users is similar.

“In Ireland clinical experience over the last few years has shown not only does cocaine cause sudden cardiac death, but it is also responsible for an alarming rise in hospital emergency admissions for serious heart attacks. Subsequent investigations showed that no underlying heart disease existed in many of the younger patients, which supports the Spanish findings.

 “At the Irish Heart Foundation we urge everyone, especially young people, to refrain from using cocaine. Even small amounts taken infrequently  are dangerous and can result in sudden death or long term disability due to a heart attack.”

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